He kōrero mō mātou | About Us

At Emerge Aotearoa we support people from all walks of life to reach their full potential by working with them to improve their individual and family/whānau wellbeing. We embrace diversity and our work reflects this. 

The Trust oversees the following entities: 

• Emerge Aotearoa Limited
• Emerge Aotearoa Housing
• Mind & Body Consultants
• Ignite Aotearoa

Our wide variety of services aim to help communities thrive. They address a range of needs including poverty, homelessness, substance addiction, unemployment, physical and intellectual disability, offender rehabilitation, and mental health challenges.

Our organisation is committed to empowering disadvantaged communities through our innovative services and programmes. This commitment is guided by our strategic priorities of Māori succeeding as Māori, Lived Experience and Diversity are Privileged, and Thriving Pacific Peoples. 

Our mahi is strongly guided by our four organisational values, which are: 

Value 1. Connecting with a purpose/Whakawhanaunga

Value 2. Engaging with respect/Manaaki

Value 3. Walking and learning together/Ako

Value 4. Acting with integrity/Whakamana

He kōrero mō te tūranga | The Role

Our Lived Experience Partner roles are essential in supporting tāngata who access our services to have every opportunity to be heard and ensure equitable engagement and participation. 

We have a role in the Midlands Region. You can be based in Hamilton or Tauranga, with the opportunity to work from home two days a week. There will be regular travel required throughout the region and some national travel. As Lived Experience Partner, you will be part of the Regional Leadership teams bringing Lived Experience perspectives to the table, where it can help shape and influence critical decisions. As part of the national team, you will have opportunities to get involved and even lead organisational-wide initiatives. Our team has recently expanded, and we are guided by our three-year action plan and Lived Experience and Diversity Framework. It's never been a better time to join a highly committed team that values results, fun, and continuous learning.    

He kōrero mōu | About You

The successful applicants must be able to:

• Use the wisdom gained from significant personal experience of accessing Mental Health and/or Addiction Services to advocate for practices that supports tāngata to thrive
• Be comfortable sharing own lived experience in a safe manner
• build a culture that prioritises relationships, trust, respect and dignity for all tāngata
• Think critically, be self-motivated, and take leadership of themselves and others to achieve outcomes
• be brave and have the courage to lead effective and positive change 
•  relate to tāngata from diverse cultures and worldviews 

Experience: 

• Significant personal lived experience of accessing services for mental distress and/or addiction 
• At least 5 years of previous work experience in a similar role such as policy development, service design, analysis, project management or coordination, or another advocacy role. 
• Qualifications: 
• Lived experience of accessing treatment and support for Mental Health and/or Addiction
• Relevant Tertiary qualification e.g., Health Promotion, Health and Wellbeing, Psychology, Adult Learning (at least a level 5)
• Skills and Attributes:
• Strong cultural competence with knowledge of tikanga, cultural values and beliefs
• Respectful of diverse worldviews 
• An ability to apply personal Lived Experience as expertise
• Critical, reflective and strategic thinking, especially about systemic issues  
• High ethical standards and the ability to strongly empathise with people
• Quality and service improvement expertise, such as design thinking
• Well-developed problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written communication.
• Relationship building, networking and time management.
• Team player and results-driven 
• Leadership expertise and the ability to influence others

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

 If you're interested, please apply and submit an updated CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should detail your lived experience, what you learned from it, and why you are motivated to help others. 

Interview process:

There will be a two-stage interview process consisting of two panels of up to three people each. The interviews will look at values alignment, specific competencies related to the role, relevant experience, and skills. There may also be a short assignment, which will be communicated to you after the first interview.

Diversity inclusion statement

At Emerge Aotearoa, we embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and success. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees and applicants, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We actively seek out diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to drive our organisation's growth, enhance our decision-making processes, and create a positive impact within our teams and communities.

This role will be advertised until filled so apply today.